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UNDERSTANDING RELIGION'S ROLE
in the lives of individuals, communities and the world.
Who We Are
All students, whether they be agnostic, atheist, or devout, are invited to pursue the academic study of religious traditions in the GW Department of Religion. Our courses promise a fascinating journey into the histories, beliefs, and practices of religious traditions from around the world. Under the guidance of exceptional faculty, students will explore how and why religious believers and institutions approach profound questions about the human condition and critically examine the role that religions have played in history, international affairs, and the arts.
We engage in vigorous discussions about religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Judaism, shamanic traditions, Shinto rituals, and Sunni and Shi’ite Islam. With our diverse and interdisciplinary faculty, students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills that have successfully translated into graduate degrees from the world’s top universities and a variety of meaningful professional experiences. Whether studying ancient Hebrew script or analyzing modern religious conflicts, our students are prepared to meet today's challenges.
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27
Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Islamic Studies Department is hosting an information session for prospective graduate students on Monday, Oct. 23 at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
Undergraduate Programs
We offer a Bachelor of Arts and a Minor in Religion, as well as BA and minor programs through our Peace Studies Program.
Graduate Programs
We are home to two graduate-level programs: a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies.
Resources
Our events and lectures are open to the campus community. We also offer academic prizes and resources to undergraduate and graduate students.
"Every major should take at least a few religious studies courses throughout college. The Religion Department gives students the ability to think insightfully about what is going on in the world and how religion influences political and social movements across time. This is a skill that has served me well across disciplines, internships, extracurriculars and jobs."
Anyu Silverman
BA '19